Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger
Artful Dodger
£183

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Artful Dodger | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 49.4% | 56.5% |
| Age | 41 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £182.66 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger is better value at £183 vs £250.
For beginners: Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£182.66 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (41 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £182.66)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Blended?
Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.
Tasting notes
Only Blended Scotch Whisky 41 Year Old 1978 (cask 3) - The Artful Dodger
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)